Small Gestures

"There is no need for temples; no need for complicated philosophy. Our own brain, our own heart is our temple; my philosophy is kindness."
— The Dalai Lama

Never underestimate the difference a small gesture can make in a person's day.

Yesterday, in a span of 15 minutes, three seemingly small things made me smile: the office manager's daily note and smiley face on the whiteboard outside her office; an enthusiastic wave from a new work-related acquaintance as he stopped to let me cross the street - not just a mere lift of the hand from the steering wheel, but an earnest grin and full side-to-side hand motion; and finally, the smiles and good mood of the folks at the cafeteria breakfast counter.

Sometimes it's easy to forget little courtesies or acts of kindness as we rush through our day - perhaps even more so during the Holiday season. Yesterday my mood was raised a few notches by the small gestures these people chose to make. I bet you they don't even know.

Never underestimate the difference a small gesture can make in a person's day.

Word(s) of the day: courtesy, smile, kindness, consideration, appreciation, gratitude, karma

Link: the spiritual practice of Kindness (from Spirituality & Practice)